It was like that for a few days. He gathered fruits, caught small game and fish whilst she recovered. She told him which roots and plants were edible so that they could compliment their meals with the fresh vegetables.

It was a new experience to Xuelei being with someone this happy. She was always smiling, singing or humming. Although her ankle hurt her, she maintained a cheerful and positive disposition.

She was infectious. He found himself relaxing and smiling more.

Xuelei tried not to look at her too much, but it was hard. She was beautiful. She had fair flawless complexion, mischievous hazel eyes and long dark brown hair that reached all the way to her tiny waist. Oh and she had really soft rosy lips that was usually curved upwards, not that he noticed. She smiled a lot, so naturally and openly, it was foreign to him.

MeiHua was not a threat but she did like to talk, almost as much as Jin.

A half-smile formed on his lips, if he could, he would introduce them and let them talk each other's ears off. He wondered who would win. Perhaps it would be a draw, he thought in amusement.

Usually she would talk and he would listen. She knew a lot and the range of topics she covered amazed him. It was obvious that she was well educated. Beautiful and educated, he corrected himself. The combination intoxicated him. Her passion for life and knowledge infected him. There were times he did not understand fully what she was saying, so he would just listen to the sweet musical sound of her voice.

She started off with herbal knowledge and expanded to ... everything. That was the only way to put it, he thought wryly. But he had to admit that it was interesting, he was learning so much. Xuelei realised, there was so much more out there waiting to be discovered. The more she talked, the more he wanted to know.

In contrast, all he knew was how to fight and kill. He knew the best way to kill someone, how to make it look like murder, an accident or a natural death. He could make a death clean or messy depending on his orders. He knew how to defend himself, the differences of each weapon and how to use them. He could disappear, hiding for days in the open amongst the crowd in some town or alone hidden in the wilderness, living off the land.

Suddenly, he wanted more.

Before this, his only desire was to make the Mistress happy and try to find out about his parent's death, maybe avenge them if the situation warranted it. His life had been so simple before meeting MeiHua.

Now he wanted to experience all the things she was talking about and accompany her to the places she yearned to go. He wanted to taste the foods she described and listen to the songs and sagas she mentioned. He wanted to travel and meet different people, he wanted to learn all there was to learn.

He wanted more. He shouldn't, but he did.

He was in one of his reflective moods. MeiHua watched WuMing's expressionless face. She could never tell what he was thinking. Did she bore him with her endless chatter? Should she shut up? He didn't seem offended and even encouraged her at times, with just a nod of understanding, a soft sound or a glance in her direction to assure her that he was listening.

MeiHua liked to talk, she was wavering between being a teacher or a doctor. Probably a teacher, women doctors were not encouraged. Male patients would not want to be treated by her or maybe she could find a way to be both, she ...

Oh my God, was that a smile?

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw his mouth turn up. He was already so handsome but when he smiled, his whole face transformed. He was beautiful.

MeiHua felt a warm feeling in her heart. She could not help but smile along with him. She was disappointed when his smile did not last long. Since she had expected his usual stoic mask, she was surprised when his expression softened to a sad longing. He was staring intensely into the flames, the orange glow reflecting his beautiful features.

"Hey, WuMing, are you okay?"

He flinched guiltily. He was not supposed to want more. His life belonged to the Mistress, he owed her for saving him.

"Yeah."

"You sure? You were smiling and then you looked sad."

He turned away from her. "I ... I have to get back. It's been days. The others will be worried."

"Where? Oh, yes, your family will be worried. My grandpa won't be. When I go out to pick herbs, I'm usually gone for a week or two."

"Your ankle is better now. I will make you a walking stick tomorrow and walk you home."

"WuMing?" she called softly.

He turned to look at her.

"Thank you for saving me from the snake and for being my friend."

Xuelei's eyes widened at that. Friend?

He had a friend.

--------------------------

It was impossible to be sad around MeiHua, she was just too happy and cheerful. She was so exuberant and full of life.

It had been a year since they became friends. It was awkward at first, he would come here to the stream looking forward to meeting her but when she appeared from behind the mountains, he would withdraw into himself, unsure of what to say or do.

He felt guilty for breaking the Rules. He should not come here and meet her but he could not help it. She drew him like a moth to a flame. She had become his antidote to a life full of death.

If his Sect found out, it would mean severe punishment or even death for him. A friend was a weakness, someone who could be used against you. It was not a good thing in his business. The Mistress was not the forgiving type.

Each meeting, he had learnt more about her and the world in general. There was more to life than missions, killing and money. He did not talk much but after the time spent together, she could read him pretty well. Thank the Gods she did not seem offended by his silence. Somehow, they grew closer. They did not notice when their friendship blossomed into something else.

With MeiHua, he could be just a normal boy thirsting for knowledge. He had learnt to loosen up and relax around her. The one thing that he was grateful for was that she instinctively knew not to probe about him. She trusted him and took him as he was.

Xuelei loved her for that.

After the Tian mission, Xuelei was hoping to see her. Just being around her and listening to her voice made him feel better about everything. She usually came here to gather herbs at this time of the year, before it got too cold and the plants 'died' for the winter. He hoped he would see her. He had only a day before he had to go home. They would get suspicious if he was away too long.

The next day he waited by the stream, fishing. He sat in the shade of a tree, enjoying the quiet. It was a beautiful clear day today. The sun was out but it was getting cold like the time when he first met her. It was a good day to be fishing.

He sat for hours, watching the clouds floating by. The fish wasn't biting today but that was okay, he wasn't serious about the fishing. He had spotted a honey bee's hive. Maybe he would get some honey later. He knew how to trick the bees to keep them from stinging.

Movement!

Ah, a rabbit! Xuelei sat up alert. Dinner just poked his nose out of his burrow. He reached for a blade hidden in his boot. Steady, he took careful aim.

"Wuuuuu Miiiiing!! Wuuuu Miiiiiing!!"

Dinner scampered back into his burrow in fright.

"Saved by a lady. I'll get you another day, rabbit."

Xuelei broke into a wide smile, turning to the sound of her voice.

MeiHua ran to him. He got up just in time to catch her as she flung herself at him. They both went down laughing.

"I've missed you!"

"Missed you too."

"Guess what?" she asked in excitement.

"What?"

Xuelei smiled as she launched into her story. It had been a good day, now it was perfect.